KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are in discussions with several teams about trading defensive end Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season.

Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson issued a statement today confirming the team has discussed Allen with a few teams interested in acquiring the Chiefs' designated franchise player.

The Chiefs and Allen have been unable to work out a contract for almost a year.

Allen, a 2008 Pro Bowl starter, had 15 1/2 sacks last season despite being suspended the first two games because of multiple DUI convictions.

Though the franchise tag allows Allen to talk with other teams, any club attempting to sign him would have to compensate the Chiefs with two first-round draft picks.